Latitude and Longitude Lesson

Original Revised

Introduction Students will understand how Students will understand how

latitude and longitude are used latitude and longitude are used to
to identify places on a map. identify places on a map.

Grade 3rd 3rd

Standard SS3G2 Locate and describe the SS3G2 Locate and describe the
equator, prime meridian, and lines equator, prime meridian, and lines of
of latitude and longitude on a globe. latitude and longitude on a globe.

Subject Social Studies Social Studies

Suggested 40 minutes 60 minutes

Time
Allowance

Objectives Students will: Students will:

review what latitude and review what latitude and longitude

longitude are.
be able to identify the latitude
and longitude of a city on a map.
be able to identify a city when
the latitude and longitude are
provided.
are.
be able to identify the latitude and
longitude of a city on a map.
be able to identify a city when the
latitude and longitude are provided.

Materials Wooden sticks, such as tongue Internet

depressors or Popsicle sticks;
two per student
Glue or tape
Black markers, one per student,
or pair of students
Worksheet: Latitude and
Longitude
Chromebooks
Easy Chalk (Chrome Extension)
Nearpod
Latitude and Longitude (Google Form
File)
Online Video: Latitude and Longitude
Google Earth (Website)
Procedures 1. Introduce key vocabulary
words: latitude, longitude,
equator, prime meridian.
2. Distribute two wooden
sticks to every student
and have them glue or
tape them together,
creating a plus sign. Ask
the students to hold up
their sticks so that one is
parallel to the classroom
walls and the other is
parallel to the floor. Write
top in small letters at the
part of the stick closest to
the ceiling. Then ask
which of the two sticks
measures latitude and
which measures
longitude. Establish that
the vertical stick
represent longitude and
have the students write
longitude on that stick,
starting with the l at the
top and moving down the
stick. Then establish that
the horizontal stick
represents latitude and
have students write
latitude across that
stick. Tell students to use
their sticks as a reminder
if they should get
confused over the
meanings of latitude and
longitude as they
complete this activity.
3. Using a spherical world
globe and demonstrate
1. Introduce key vocabulary
words: latitude, longitude,
equator, prime meridian with
Nearpod interactive lesson.
During Nearpod, students will
watch a video about latitude
and longitude.
2. Students will use
chromebook extension Easy
Chalk to draw a set of lines
that look like a plus sign.
They will have a member of
their cooperative group check
to make sure they are drawn
correctly.
3. Students should check and
make sure that one line is
parallel with the floor and one
is parallel to the wall.
Students will label the lines
latitude and longitude on their
chromebook. Students will
then turn to a member of their
group and explain the
differences between latitude
and longitude.
4. Using the Nearpod
application and the internet,
students will look at a model
of the globe and demonstrate
that the globe is bisected
north to south between the
poles by an imaginary line
called the prime meridian,
and east to west through its
center by the equator.
Teacher will model and
explain the locations of the
equator and prime meridian.
Students will then use
 that the globe is bisected
north to south between
the poles by an imaginary
line called the prime
meridian, and east to
west through its center by
the equator. Put a thin
piece of colored tape
around the globe at both
the prime meridian and
the equator and pass it
around for students to
see. Tell students to
imagine the entire globe
with a series of vertical
and horizontal lines that
form a grid by which any
point on the earths
surface can be specified.
4. Divide students into pairs
and give each pair a copy
of the Atlantic Ocean map
and a Latitude and
Longitude worksheet.
Have them plot the cities
for which latitude and
longitude are given, and
write in the latitude and
longitude for the final four
cities.
Assessment Have students exchange their
worksheet and map with another
pair of students to check each
others results. If they find
differences, have the pairs work
together to find the right answer.
Nearpod and the globe visual
and trace the equator and
prime meridian.
5. Teacher will divide students
into various groups (4 groups
of 3 and 1 small group with
the teacher) and allow
students to login to Google
Earth on their chromebook.
Teacher will allow students a
few minutes to get familiar
with the format of Google
Earth. The student will
identify lines of latitude and
longitude. Students will locate
the prime meridian and
equator. Groups will complete
checks for understanding
(partner checks). Student will
then locate and identify the
latitude and longitude of their
home city on Google Earth
and share within their group.
Students will complete a Latitude and
Longitude Google Form to check for
understanding. Teacher and students
will receive immediate feedback on
concepts covered.
Latitude and Longitude Google Form
will cover the following:
-Identify lines of latitude
-Identify lines of longitude
-Locate equator/prime meridian on a
map
-Identify location of a city based on the
latitude and longitude.